How far from the outlet can the GFCI be?

[Mike Whitt]

Greg
What will stop the use of two single pole switches at the remote building is;

225.36 Suitable for Service Equipment.
The disconnecting means specified in 225.31 shall be suitable for use as service equipment.

Exception: For garages and outbuildings on residential property, a snap switch or a set of 3-way or 4-way snap switches shall be permitted as the disconnecting means.

Here it is clear that the switches must be singular.

To use the single pole breakers in a main lug panel then the panel would be required to be suitable for use as service equipment and no one makes a panel that is suitable for use as service equipment using single pole breakers,

[Greg Fretwell]

I agree that is the intent but you keep bumping up against that "6 throw" language.
I think we both agree the NEC is poorly coordinated in this and other areas where they use conflicting language.
I guess if it was easy to understand we wouldn't need ongoing education and the instructors would be largely out of business. The "churn" generated by a 3 year code cycle is also part of the problem.